The Positive Effects

of Eating Healthy

Follow my blog with BloglovinWe all want to live happy and fulfilling lives. In order to do so, we need to have enough energy and strength (both mental and physical) to do the things we love.

The best way to achieve this is by being kind to our bodies. That is, giving our body exactly what it needs—healthy food. Here are five of the positive effects of eating healthy:

You’ll have more energy

Whether you’re a busy mom who has kids to care for or a business woman without kids, you need enough energy to make it through each day. But, if you’re like most of us, you’re exhausted by noon.

What do you do then? Grab a caffeinated beverage or eat some sort of sugary snack to get an energy boost? That isn’t the way to go! Sugary foods only give us a temporary boost, followed by feelings of sluggishness. This is because they are digested and release sugar into the bloodstream quickly, causing insulin levels to spike.

If you consistently eat healthy though, you’ll feel more awake and ready to take on the world—all day. So, what are the best foods for long-lasting energy? Unrefined carbs, proteins, healthy fats, whole grains and vegetables.

You’ll keep your body strong

Did you know that women are more likely to get osteoporosis than men? That’s because women’s bones are smaller and thinner than their male counterparts. On top of that, estrogen—which normally protects women’s bones—decreases as women get older. As we age, we also begin to lose muscle. The problem is that if you feel physically weak, it can really discourage you from participating in activities you enjoy. Fortunately, eating healthy can protect your body.

Eating foods such as cheese and yogurt, which are rich in calcium, can help to prevent bone deterioration. On the other hand, certain nutrients, such as protein, can be consumed to help you gain muscle mass and ease muscle pain. You can meet your protein requirements by eating lean chicken breasts, peanuts and oats.

You’ll sleep better

Sleep is something we definitely cherish as we get older. Do you have trouble sleeping? This can be a danger to your wellbeing, as chronic sleep deprivation increases your risk of depression, anxiety, brain fog and even heart disease.

If you’ve tried everything you can think of, but have had no luck sleeping, perhaps it’s time to change your diet.

Heartburn and sleep apnea are two common conditions which prevent a lot of people from sleeping comfortably—and they are both associated with the foods you eat. For example, when you eat a diet filled with fried foods or chocolate, you may experience heartburn. If you’re obese, you are at an increased risk for sleep apnea. By eating healthy, you can lose weight and/or manage your heartburn, allowing you to sleep better and be more alert when you need to be.

Your cognitive functioning will improve

We all want to stay as sharp as possible for as long as possible. The best way to do so is by eating healthy. Research shows that eating healthy improves cognitive functioning and prevents neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Diets high in cholesterol and “bad” fats (saturated and trans fat) have been shown to have negative consequences for the brain. They have been linked to poorer memory and may cause amyloid plaques to form faster in the brain. Unfortunately, these are a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

So, to protect your brain, you’ll want to consume healthy fats, such as those found in fish and nuts. You’ll also want to consume other nutrients which are important for your brain (such as vitamin B12).

You’ll be protected from chronic diseases

A poor diet clearly leads to many problems. When you eat a high-fat diet, you’re putting yourself at risk for heart disease. On the other hand, regular consumption of high-sugar foods puts you at risk for diabetes. There’s also a link between processed foods and inflammation, which promotes chronic diseases.

It’s not that hard to protect yourself, though. All you have to do is make the commitment to eat healthy. A well-balanced diet contains all the nutrients your body needs and additional protective compounds, such as antioxidants (these fight off free radicals, which can cause heart disease and other chronic diseases).

I’m working on this right now as I quite often feel run down and exhausted. I guess that’s part of mum life with young children, but I know I feel much better when I do take the time to look after myself and eat well. It’s so easy to fall back into bad habits though. #teamIBOT

I eat far less than I did when I was back in Sydney and eating for comfort. IBS and anxiety have helped me learn to eat small and well. I make meals I enjoy in batches and freeze them. The weight loss (not intentional) of over 30kg has made me more comfortable. However, with surgery in my mouth on the cards soon..I’ve been told I will only be able to have liquid foods for some time and I do not look forward to that. So until then I am going to eat crunchy and chewy for as long as I can.

I definitely notice my body feeling a whole lot better when I’m eating healthy. Junk food is so readily available, I know I need lot of meal planning to go for the healthy options instead. It’s so worth it though.

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I am proud to support beyondblue as a member of the Speakers Bureau, sharing my story to increase awareness and understanding of anxiety and depression in Australia and to reduce the associated stigma. beyondblue’s vision is for all people in Australia to achieve their best possible mental health. You can learn more about anxiety, depression and suicide prevention by visiting beyondblue’s website or contacting their Support Service. www.beyondblue.org.au / 1300 22 4636